7 Home Cleaning Hacks for Seniors
Each year I get older, I celebrate! Aging is a beautiful thing. Yet, with this gift of aging, the body can rebel, adding some extra challenges to activities I used to do with ease. We’ve all been there, surprised by how we strained ourselves simply trying to get out of bed!
The main thing is that we cannot let aging prevent us from doing things we want - including cleaning our homes. With some clever tricks and adjustments, cleaning can become a fun and innovative way to maintain a clean and comfortable living environment…and great exercise to boot!
Here are some life and cleaning hacks to help you keep your home clean, your spirits high, and your energy up!
Regularly Declutter
We collect so much throughout our lifetime - photographs, trinkets, Tupperware lids! Take time to declutter on a regular basis so you don’t get overwhelmed or lost in your “stuff.” Not only will this help keep your space more organized, but it is beneficial for your overall physical and mental wellness as well.
Invest in Cleaning Aids & Tools
There are so many innovations in how cleaning tools are designed these days, that anyone, regardless of age or body capability, can benefit from them. A few of the Clean Club Calgary’s personal favourite cleaning aids and tools include:
Long- or extended-handled dusters, mops, and scrubbers that allow you to clean those hard-to-reach areas without adding strain to your body.
Lightweight, maneuverable mops with a built-in sprayer help to give your floor a thorough clean without the need for you to carry a bucket with you.
Lightweight vacuum cleaners or cordless sweepers make it easier to quickly clean your floors.
Automated cleaning devices, such as robotic vacuum cleaners and mops easily tackle regular cleaning maintenance.
Microfiber cleaning cloths capture dust and dirt without the need for any harsh spray chemicals.
Cleaning caddies or portable organizers help to carry your cleaning supplies from one room to the next without hassle.
Use Natural Cleaning Solutions
Many cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals. Ingredients that can harm both our skin and our lungs. This is why we recommend more natural cleaning solutions. For instance, at Clean Club Calgary, most of our cleaning is done with common household products such as gentle dish soap, water, baking soda, and a bit of vinegar. Not only are these better for your overall health, but they tend to work better than a lot of the products on the market.
Sit While Cleaning
No one ever said that we must be standing when we clean! If you’re folding laundry, sorting items, or even cleaning lower surfaces, use a sturdy chair and sit while performing your task. If you’re comfortable while cleaning, then you’re more likely to clean.
Break Tasks Ups
Once upon a time, cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, living room, and bedroom could all be done in one day. Nowadays, cleaning may take a little longer - and that’s okay! Simply focus on cleaning one room at a time. Within each room, break down each cleaning task into smaller, more manageable amounts over the course of several days and avoid feeling exhausted. This helps to prevent feeling overwhelmed as you go about your thorough cleaning.
Ask for Help
Life isn’t meant to be lived so that we can spend most of it cleaning. If possible, ask family members or friends to help (and bond as you clean side by side). If available to you, invest in hiring a professional cleaning company for larger cleaning tasks or deep cleaning.
Maintain, Maintain, Maintain
Between any deeper cleans, make sure to perform any routine maintenance to prevent dirt buildup. Smaller tasks, such as wiping down surfaces and appliances help to keep your space feeling fresh.
Regardless of how you keep cleaning your home, remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, and listen to your body while cleaning. If a task seems too challenging or risky, don’t hesitate to ask for help or seek assistance from professionals.
Until then - have fun capturing those dust bunnies!